Fire is a 501(c)3 organization that has as our mission to encourage and respond to people’s desire for authentic expression.We believe that social and cultural awareness generates and sustains social justice.  We design our youth development programming to help youth and young adults cultivate the leadership, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem necessary to lead positive and productive lives. We understand that education and participation in the arts and culture contributes to the healthy development of young people, their families and communities.

Fire has been a guiding force for young, emerging talent in Kalamazoo, MI.  It’s a safe and open space for people of any demographic.  Fire is a staple organization, a premier organization for arts, culture, and history in Kalamazoo, and it needs your investment. Be cool, invest in Fire!

Donate $1, $5, $25…any amount to keep the flame burning! Umm…in case I wasn’t clear (or you somehow think I’m just writing this for my health), Donate, Donate, Donate, Donate, Donate, Donate, Donate.

it’s ‘between us’
–poem of the week or the month or the era–
that reminded me that poetry
is the concrete i walk on
the grass i try to avoid
especially in new shoes
the gas pedals i press to try to flee from or catch
something

Maybe Climbing PoeTree can do the same for you. This dynamic New York poetic duo will be at Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative this Friday to share their most recent work, and spread some of their energy around Kzoo.

This is a pretty interesting description of their performance (from an email to Naima), but it’s really something that you have to experience yourself:

With flawless cadence and impeccable lyricism, these soul-sisters weave together their voices to draw vital connections between shared struggles and common solutions in a critical moment in human history. Both tragic and triumphant, the poetry Alixa and Naima deliver challenges its listeners to acknowledge their own humanity, dissolves apathy with hope, and helps heal the inner trauma so that we as people may begin to cope with issues facing our communities.

The event starts at 8pm (doors open at 7:30) but if you want to hang out with Climbing PoeTree before the show, you can buy a VIP ticket to Fueling the Fire! This is going to be a great event that you don’t want to miss.

I’ve been celebrating all month, but I decided to post my wish list today.

1. Scholarship to get a motorcycle license endorsement.
2. Shoes – Size 8 in most shoes, size 7 in Aldo’s pumps
3. V-neck shirts – size M or S depending on the shirt
4. Black Ice car fresheners
5. Beats by Dre headphones (I’m torn because they now come in blue, but I’m drawn to black…decisions, decisions)
6. Sharpie markers
7. New battery for my MBP
8. Clear case for MBP

I think that 8 is enough. These things are pretty pricy too. I guess that’s why they’re on the “wish” list and not the “have” list.  Take a look and maybe copy some of these cool things to your own wishlist! Let me know if you do, I’m big on giving these days

There are widgets at the bottom too. I’m still collecting donations for the March of Dimes – March for Babies (so please support), you can also take a look at blogs that I read, and subscribe to an RSS feed of Trials of a Graduate Student.

Aren’t widgets wonderful?

Lately, I’ve been having a lot of issues with my apartment.  I know that I wrote a post on how much I like it and my new Ikea furniture, but like many things in life, that has changed.  So, I’ve been looking for a new place to live in Kalamazoo.  I’m not in a position to buy a house, but I would like to live somewhere different.  After walking (and walking, and walking) in the neighborhood that I am interested in, I found a cute 2-bedroom apartment for rent.  It was tucked away behind West Main – closer to campus than where I currently live, and close to my friends. What’s the issue? The landlord. A quick email conversation on a Sunday morning let me know really quickly that he was a) open to dogs (even large dogs), and b) flexible on the rent and utilities. This was great! I was getting excited until he told me that he doesn’t allow American Pit Bull Terriers.

WHY NOT? Probably because society is afraid of the breed, because the breed has caught a bad rep from people who thought that it would be a good idea to fight the dogs, or because of the racial, cultural, or socioeconomic status of the people who typically own these dogs (i.e. low-income, non-White people — or minorities). Basically, everyone is scared, and instead of putting rules in place to stop the discrimination by landlords, insurance agencies, police, etc. they just let their fears dictate where entire classes of people are allowed to live.

Isn't he a cutie?

I think that’s a complete crock. People should be fighting this blatant, obvious, borderline ostentatious discrimination. Your fear shouldn’t be able to tell me where I can or cannot live based on the choice of the four-legged companion I choose to own.  If that were the case, no one should rent to anyone with a large dog, or a dog that has bitten someone, or a dog who barks at people. All dogs should just be banned! I’m being melodramatic so that you get the point.

After all of that complaining, I do have a real suggestion: just make it fair. If you’re a landlord and you allow dogs (of any breed or size) to reside with humans in your rental property, try this:

* Require liability insurance for the dog. This would cover the landlord and tenant if the dog bites someone or causes different types of damage.

* Require pet owners to register their pets with the State of Michigan (which is a legal requirement anyway), and show proof of vaccinations (also a requirement for other pet-related activities, like boarding or entrance into dog parks).

* Meet/interact with the dog. If you don’t like dogs, don’t let people with dogs rent from you (duh). Renting to people who live such different lifestyles than your own will eventually just make you bitter, and a tool to deal with. Thus, increasing the likelihood that the tenant will disrespect you, your time, and your property.  If you think that there’s a real issue with the dog or breed, put the animal through a temperament test.  Every SPCA, Humane Society, or Animal Rescue has access to a professional organization that can implement the assessment. You can even make the potential renter pay for the test.

*Request proof of training.  There are a lot of certification programs for dogs that are by-products of existing training programs. PetSmart or PetCo both have “good behavior” certificates for dogs upon completion of their training program. Mr. K9 dog training club in Chicago has a special training program specific to American Pit Bull Terriers.  My dog went through it, and he’s great.

All of these suggestions should make for more responsible pet owners, and landlords who are more comfortable renting to dog-owners of any breed.  Plus, it levels the playing field for everyone regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, location…whatever.

Disclaimer: I don’t want to argue about the history or stigma attached to what Pit Bulls have done in the past, or irresponsible pet owners. I know that the dogs could bite a person (as could any dog). I also am aware that Pit Bulls are very strong dogs. I’m saying that responsible dog owners shouldn’t be punished because people are scared of what they think may happen.  More to come.

I’m definitely blogging in class right now. Shake your head if you like, but if you were sitting in on this conversation, you’d take a minute to distract yourself as well.  I’m really just writing to keep from talking, because if I talk, I’ll swear, and probably make some enemies and lose a grade in this class.  Anything less than an “A” is unacceptable.

BUT we’re talking about power at Western today. Yes, students get all riled up when it’s time to talk about what our University is NOT doing. I was at GSAC last Friday, no one in this classroom was there. GSAC – the Graduate Student Advisroy Committee – is the graduate student government at WMU. So, if you think you’re getting shafted as a grad student by the university, GSAC meetings are good to attend because you’ll be able to voice your concerns and be a catalyst for change.

In class, these people are complaining about parking passes. Why aren’t there grad passes? Why should there be? Just buy a parking pass like everyone else and shut up. Haven’t you seen campus? Where is there space to add more parking? How about this: ride a bike. Take the bus. Use your Bronco Card to take FREE TRIPS on the fine Kalamazoo Metro Transit system. How about that?

I don’t mean to be so whiny, but complainers irk me. If you don’t like something – change it. Have the twisted framers of our country taught us nothing?

It seems weird, but this is my first post about the huge musical deficit Kalamazoo can have.  The main radio station that I listen to is 103.3, but they mainly play old rock, teeny-bopper tunes like Hannah Montana and Justin Beiber (or whoever), and OLD OLD R&B. For me, that’s not cutting it.

Fortunately, I was linked up with Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative through some great friends and learned the the Executive Director has this show on WIDR, Saturday mornings from 11a to 1p. For a while, I either overslept, was away from a computer or radio, or forgot…but then, I tuned in and was AMAZED! This is the music I had been looking for! Funky, soulful, Saturday sounds. Perfect for driving around with no particular place to go, washing dishes, or just lounging and looking out of the window with a hot cup of coffee and a bagel.

Slip Back Soul should be it’s own station. We could just cruise around feeling funky all day. I know I’m all for an eclectic combination of throwback (or Slip Back) soul sounds peppered with news bits of Kalamazoo happs. Are you?

If you were wandering the streets of New Orleans in 1991 or later, you may have been hypnotized by the Soul Rebels Brass Band.  This dynamic, 8-member band combines the traditional marching band style with jazz and traditional New Orleans musical culture.  Needless to say, they’re pretty awesome. The Soul Rebels will be in Kalamazoo, MI on September 1, 2011 at the Rose Street Market. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. with a great performance by Kalamazoo’s Linsay Kelly. Plus, tickets are $12 (ONLY $12? Hush yo’ mouth!).

The Soul Rebels are a movement of their own, but September also marks the 6 year anniversary of Fire! So, there is a ton to celebrate. Make sure to wear some dancing shoes!

There will also be a FREE pre-concert discussion on the role that art has in revitalizing community at Fire (1249 Portage Rd.) that starts at 5:30 p.m. You have to RSVP for the discussion though – email fire@thisisfire.com for your reservation asap.

More information on the event and on the band can be found here. You should also follow Fire on Twitter @thisisfire. I hope you come out, it’ll be a great time!

Soul Rebels Brass Band

Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative will host the Elevation Festival on the Roof, featuring Annette Taborn on August 13th.  This event will be held on the top floor of the Radisson Parking structure in Kalamazoo, MI. Kalamazoo hasn’t seen anything like this in a LONG TIME (if ever, the jury’s still out on that one). But still, it’s going to be a blast!

Profile of Sheryl Underwood

by

Naidra L Walls

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Rho Theta Zeta Chapter

     It is a rare occurrence for entertainers to be viewed as nonprofit leaders – society believes that their involvement with a cause is a publicity stunt or somehow falsely motivated.  Readers can choose to believe that, or believe that these entertainers are people first, and actors, musicians, or comediennes second.  This essay will outline the nonprofit career of one dynamic, multi-faceted woman: Sheryl Underwood, President of the international sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She has made significant humanitarian contributions on a global scale.

Brief history of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

     Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is identified by their motto of being a “community conscious, action-oriented organization.” (“http://www.bradley.edu”, 2011).  It holds the status as a nongovernmental organization in the United States.  “A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a not-for-profit, voluntary citizens’ group, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good.” (http://www.zphib1920.org, 2009)

Zeta Phi Beta was founded on January 16, 1920 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. for the purpose of promoting Black women to invest in an education and to uplift the community in a time where education of Blacks was highly discouraged.  The organization has implemented programs like the Zetas Helping Other People Excel (Z-HOPE) initiative and the Stork’s Nest prenatal and infant care program.  It has a long history of firsts including being the first organization to be constitutionally bound to a fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  Zeta is also the first of the other three Historically Black Greek-Lettered Organizations (BGLO) to charter chapters in Africa, St. Croix, Germany, and the Bahamas.  (Ross, 2000)  Zeta Phi Beta is the first BGLO to form national auxiliary groups for youth and adults.  Currently, the organization sponsors the Amicae, an auxiliary for women who do not have a college degree but who live by the ideals of Zeta; Archonettes, young women ages 14 to 18; Amicettes, young women ages nine to 13, Pearlettes, girls from age five to nine; and the Zeta Male Network, an auxiliary dedicated to the men in the lives of Zeta women (including brothers, husbands, sons, etc.).  These auxiliary groups stand by Zeta principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterly Love, and Finer Womanhood.  They independently host community events, fundraisers, and social functions to support the local and national efforts of Zeta Phi Beta.

     Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is composed of over 125,000 members worldwide.  To lead this massive organization is no easy feat.  Sheryl Underwood has utilized her celebrity, academic achievement, and love for Zeta to become a pillar in the Black Greek community.

Sheryl Underwood

     Sheryl Underwood, the 23^rd International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Inc. leads a dual life as a comedienne and a public servant.  As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, she served in the Air Force, and was deployed to Desert Storm.  She is also an active Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), an active member of the National Council for Negro Women (NCNW), and founded the African American Female Comedienne Association.  Sheryl Underwood received her Associates degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno City College, a Paralegal Certificate from the University of California in Los Angeles, a Bachelor degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago, and a Master’s degree from Governors State University.

Underwood is the “first entertainer to head the highest office of a historical African-American Pan-Hellenic Council organization when she was elected the 23^rd international president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.” (Christian, 2008)  She has held several leadership positions within the Sorority including the State Corresponding Secretary for the state of California, the Pacific Regional Secretary (also in California), National Director of Honorary Members, National Graduate Member at Large, and Chair of the National Executive Board.  Furthermore, Underwood has held numerous positions at the local level of the Sorority through the Zeta Tau Zeta chapter in Chicago, IL and the Alpha Psi Zeta chapter in Los Angeles, CA.  (Christian, 2008)  She proves her commitment to the Sorority by successfully holding numerous leadership positions including “serving as President, First Vice-President, Executive Board Chair, Historian, Graduate Advisor and Charter Member of Omicron Rho Zeta. She is currently a Golden Life Member of the sorority and a member of Alpha Psi Zeta Chapter in Los Angeles, CA.” (http://miamiimprov.com, 2010)

Aside from her tireless community service projects and participation in initiatives designed to uplift the Black community, Underwood is widely known for her controversial opinions, explicit comedy shows, and being a “A Sexually Progressive, God-Fearing Black Republican”.  (http://www.blackamericaweb.com, 2008)  On this topic, she notes:

I believe in Jesus and say the Pledge of Allegiance….I’ve done some things that are not Biblically correct, but I’m going to be patient and wait on the Lord to send me another husband. I’ve been a widow for 20 years! If someone does not believe what I believe, I’m going to respect their beliefs. As a Republican woman I never let anyone push me some place where I don’t want to go. I love everyone as long as you are not messing with my money.

This reputation posed a significant challenge to Underwood as she ran for presidency of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 2008.  Her pizzazz and spunk made members of the Sorority hesitant to vote her into such a prestigious position.

Specific impact on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Society

     Since election in 2008, Sheryl Underwood has employed numerous leadership techniques to increase the cohesiveness of the Sorority.  To positively impact the community of each chapter, membership needed to increase.  The organization is driven primarily from membership dues.  Underwood implemented a Zeta Reclamation period to reach members of the organization who have been inactive to invite them to re-activate with a local chapter.  She also authors the Z-Blast electronic newsletter.  This publication provides moral support to members of the organization, and encourages chapters to participate in national efforts outside of the standard community activities that local chapters host.  Given the discreet nature of BGLOs, some of the other specific impacts that Underwood has made on the Sorority are the equivalent of trade secrets; however, under her leadership, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. has been successful in providing support for Haiti, (http://youtu.be/iRlEsxLO-nQ, 2011) encouraging people to participate in the U.S. Census (“http://youtu.be/bNd2aCMfFBQ”, 2010), and increase support for its national partner, the March of Dimes (http://www.zphib1920.org, 2009).

Leadership Skills

     The leadership skills required to be a successful president of an international sorority include the ability to motivate, the ability to involve and support others, the ability to communicate, the ability to promote teamwork and collaboration, the ability to manage diversity, and technical skills.  This list is not at all exhaustive, but it provides what this writer deems to be the most important skills necessary to be effective in maintaining a leadership role in a national organization.

The Ability to Motivate

Ann Gilley, Pamela Dixon, and Jerry Gilley write in the article Characteristics of Leadership Effectiveness: Implementing Change and Driving Innovation in Organizations that “a valuable management skill is the ability to attract and retain individuals who are passionate about their work and intrinsically motivated.” (Gilley, Dixon & Gilley, 2009) In order for Zeta Phi Beta to be successful, Sheryl Underwood must be an effective motivator who can effectively recruit and retain valuable members who are willing to provide monetary donations and physical labor to carry out the work of Zeta.  No work can be completed without the support of the entire sorority, so she must be an influential force in creating the passion to serve the community within each graduate and undergraduate chapter of the organization.

The Ability To Involve And Support Others

As stated in the Josey-Bass Reader,  “Research…shows that management support…greatly influenced the extent to which action was taken on creative ideas.” (Gilley, Dixon & Gilley, 2009)  Sheryl Underwood provides a positive support system by involving other BGLO organizations with community efforts.  Zeta Phi Beta also partners with other national organizations to combat issues like child obesity, premature birth, and domestic violence.  The organization is a national supporter of Relay for Life, the March of Dimes, the NAACP, and the American Council on Human Rights. (Ross, 2000)  By supporting these groups, Zeta Phi Beta attracts volunteers who develop lasting relationships with both participating organizations.

The Ability To Communicate

Leaders should communicate well, and communicate often.  Sheryl Underwood uses traditional methods of communication to reach members of her organization; including Facebook, Twitter, email, conference participation, and television/radio interviews.  As a follower on Twitter and Facebook, an avid reader of Z-Blasts and other Sorority publications, this writer is able to remain cognizant of all relevant events pertaining to the organization and to Sheryl Underwood.  Her methods of communication are extremely effective because she employs so many different mediums in which to broadcast messages to Sorority members.

The Ability To Promote Teamwork And Collaboration

“Effectively managing teams and structuring work groups so as to support collaboration are two leadership abilities critical for achieving organizational goals. … Further, it has been evidenced that social networks have important effects on team performance and viability.” (Gilley, Dixon & Gilley, 2009)  Zeta Phi Beta was founded for the purpose of fostering sisterhood.  This automatically denotes that the organization will promote teamwork and collaboration internally.  Zeta Phi Beta is also constitutionally bound to another organization, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  This bond allows both organizations to use each other as resources to make greater efforts in improving their national programs, including the Stork’s Nest program, and Z-Hope initiatives.

The Ability To Manage Diversity

According to Roosevelt Thomas, “representation will refer to the presence of multiple races and both genders…diversity will refer to the behavioral differences, similarities, and tensions that can exist among people when representation has been achieved.” (Thomas, 2006)  Leaders understand the “core craft capability to be ‘making quality decisions in the midst of differences, similarities, and related tensions’.” (Thomas, 2006)

Historically, Zeta Phi Beta was comprised of only Black American women.  Today, representation from all major ethnicities is present in the organization.  As a leader, Sheryl Underwood must be sensitive to these differences and note the shift that the Sorority is taking when determining which causes it deems national efforts.  For example, all causes cannot be related to Africa because the Sorority was founded to unite African-American women.  In addition, Underwood must have a solid understanding of topics that are at the forefront of different cultural groups.

Zetas are united in sisterhood, but can be divided by challenges that only affect one culture or sub-culture.  Nevertheless, as President of the organization, Underwood must have (and has thus far demonstrated) a solid comprehension of the best methods to unite over 125,000 women across racial, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries.

Technical Skills

Though Bass does not agree that all leaders need technical skills, in this era, technical skills are critical to the success of a leader.  The federal government has increased its use of technology in routine tasks, and has even implemented telework programs for federal employees that utilize video chat capabilities.  Entertainers have become more creative in promoting their causes or projects through the use of QR codes, smart phone applications, and websites.

Sheryl Underwood uses knowledge gained during her time in the U.S. Air Force and through courses taken throughout her academic career to initiate a significant overhaul of the

Zeta Phi Beta website.  She also couples technology with communication by employing social media outlets including Facebook and Twitter to reach members of the Sorority, partners, and communities.

Conclusion

     Sheryl Underwood has proven her ability to lead in an internationally recognized nonprofit organization while maintaining a successful career as an entertainer in America’s film, television, and radio industries.  She has become an inspiration for many as noted in the positive feedback posted on the internet, printed in magazines, and demonstrated by the support of her followers.  It is with this writer’s hope that this phenomenal Zeta woman continues to do work to enhance the quality of life of people on a global scale.

References

Bradley University (2011) Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://www.bradley.edu/multicultural/orgs/

Gold, J. (2010, April 3) The Chipper Show: Sheryl Underwood Interview [Video file]. Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://youtu.be/iRlEsxLO-nQ

PyramidWest (2008, August 15) Sheryl Underwood [Video file]. Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPwmiI2gfsA&NR=1

Sheryl Underwood Special Event. (2010) Miami Improv. Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://miamiimprov.com/show_right.cfm?id=70339

Thomas, R. (2006) “Diversity Management: An essential craft for leaders”. Leader to Leader, 41

U.S. Census Bureau (2010, May 14) 2010 Census Message: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority [Video file]. Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://youtu.be/bNd2aCMfFBQ

West, P. (2008, August 15) Sheryl Underwood [Video file]. Retrieved June 13, 2011 from http://youtu.be/ZPwmiI2gfsA